Clean and Sober! California Nurse Wants to Reinstate.

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I voluntarily surrendered my license in June 2005. I am an alcoholic/narcotic addict. I was investigated by the BRN for drug diversion. After a prolonged legal struggle, I decided it was best to surrender my license to the BRN. I'm on a one year countdown before I can begin to apply to get my California RN License back. After being clean and sober for close to four years, I feel I'm ready to get my license reinstated. I cannot apply for reinstate for another 12 months because my probation with LA county will not end until then (probation is unrelated to my license.) Therefore, I want to spend the next year planning and preparing myself for success with the BRN.

I'd really appreciate some advice or feedback from any nurse knowledgeable in this area. Some of the things I'd like to know are: 1. my chance at success, 2.Things that the BRN want to see, 3.How the process works, 4.and any other nuggets of information that may be applicable. I'd also love to hear the stories of those of you who have taken control of your addiction, and the success you have had after going into recovery.

As for me, recovery is awesome. I have suffered a lot of consequences as a result of my addiction. But through recovery, I have found myself. I've never been happier in all my life. Now, I'd like to go back into nursing with a new lease on things.

Blessing

GDD

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cannot comment on the reinstatement issue- have no experience there. but want to congratulate you on your sobriety!!! isn't it a wonderful accomplishment!! i am joyful every minute of every day for my sobriety & the blessings it has brought me. kudos to you!! :)

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Congratulations on your sobriety. I don't know anything about California, but the best advice I can give you is to spend the next year saving money for an attorney. It chaps my ass to have to say that, but it seems to me that the profession does not want us back, even after sustained sobriety.

Good luck to you!

AOA

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While I'm no where near your state I'm in the NC BON alternative program for alcohol abuse. If you do not attend AA start get a home group and a sponsor. I started substance abuse classes before I ever signed my contract with the BON. I am now attending 1 year of aftercare, am randomly drug tested, and seeking employment. It will happen for you but remember it will all be in God's timing not your's. Good luck

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Specializes in ED, Family Practice, Home Health.

Hello,

I'm in the California Diversion Program. Just started, 3 years to go. At the end I will be allowed to keep my license with no restrictions and no notes. I will be able to deny ever having been in the program if I want. I just have to make it through the next 3 years.

What the BON wants is proof of your changed life. Immediately begin attending NA meeting, get a paper signed every time you go, they like a meeting every day for the first 90 days, and then you can drop down to 3 a week. Get a sponsor. Minimum of 7 years sober. If you have not already, attend an Intensive Outpatient (IO) drug treatment program. It needs to be 9 hours a week for 9 weeks. It will be expensive. Get some record of clean urine tests. You can call First Lab and try to set this up on your own. Also the IO may have some ideas for how you can get this done. The testing needs to be random and the BON likes a year of clean tests minimum. Begin attending a nurse support group in your area. The CA BON website has a list of nurse support groups listed by city. They are confidential and you will find amazing support there. It's a lot to do, especially in the beginning with calling every day to see if you'll be tested that day, going to q day NA meetings, PLUS the 9 hour a week IO meetings. But if you do all that, which is what the diversion program is, then I think you'll be setting yourself up for a good chance of reinstatement.

SineQuaNon

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Thanks so much for the informantion.

Blessings.

GDG

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I am in California and new to this. Not sure what to expect. I will talk to my case worker for the first time this week. How does it work? What do they ask? How much does it cost for outpatient therapy, drug test and nursing support meetings. I am afraid that I will not be able to afford it, but I want to do this and get through it. Are you working yet? If so, are you doing direct patient care. Thanks so much for any advice and good luck to all.

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I am in a similar situation and will go in front of the board soon for reinstatement. 7 years have past but I have multiple felonies. let me know what you find out

am an alcoholic/narcotic addict. I was investigated by the BRN for drug diversion. After a prolonged legal struggle, I decided it was best to surrender my license to the BRN. I'm on a one year countdown before I can begin to apply to get my California RN License back. After being clean and sober for close to four years, I feel I'm ready to get my license reinstated. I cannot apply for reinstate for another 12 months because my probation with LA county will not end until then (probation is unrelated to my license.) Therefore, I want to spend the next year planning and preparing myself for success with the BRN.

I'd really appreciate some advice or feedback from any nurse knowledgeable in this area. Some of the things I'd like to know are: 1. my chance at success, 2.Things that the BRN want to see, 3.How the process works, 4.and any other nuggets of information that may be applicable. I'd also love to hear the stories of those of you who have taken control of your addiction, and the success you have had after going into recovery.

As for me, recovery is awesome. I have suffered a lot of consequences as a result of my addiction. But through recovery, I have found myself. I've never been happier in all my life. Now, I'd like to go back into nursing with a new lease on things.

Blessing

GDD

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Med/Surg.

The thread you are posting in is well over three years old. Search through all the archives of this forum. You will find many stories and ideas from nurses who have walked the walk. Good luck.

Catmom :paw:

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